It seems to me like when they automated “apply at purchase” they didn’t really automate what they agents do. They just turned it into an instant seat assignment upgrade, not a “paid” upgrade requiring ticket reissue. Pretty much like a complimentary seat upgrade. Although it does come out of (and decrement) separate inventory, the two times I’ve had it work there was no reissue.

For RUCs that’s kind of ok. For GUCs and partner flights, the issue is it’s a paid currency, so the taxes, surcharges and fees all require re-calculation. My understanding of the reissue process is they have to do it to be able to redo all that math. Take for instance the LHR departure luxury tax.

Now the real question. If the automated process can just force a seat assignment upgrade, why not have the agents do that, instead of the reissue mess?